A Classified Divorce Case?

July 17, 1985

It is hardly unusual for a newspaper reporter to be in a courtroom covering a divorce proceeding, which is what The Tribune`s James Warren was doing Monday. But the consternation in Judge Hyman Feldman`s courtroom could hardly have been greater if a wild boar had walked in.

On learning that a reporter was present, an agitated lawyer for one party had a hurried consultation with Judge Feldman. The judge called Mr. Warren to the bench, gave him an extended grilling on why he was covering this particular case, and warned him that he might be held in contempt if he didn`t leave. Then the judge moved the whole proceeding into his chambers.

Naturally all this stirs curiosity--not only about the divorce proceeding involving Anthony and Anne McKeown, but Judge Feldman`s notions about his role on the bench. The judge seems to think he can lock out the public and the press whenever an attorney demands it, at least if the case involves wealthy or influential people.

Mr. McKeown seems to qualify under those rules. He is a partner in Modern Management Inc., a prominent management consulting firm. One issue in the case is a recent amendment to Illinois divorce law; at the time when Mr. Warren`s presence threw the court into turmoil, State Sen. William Marovitz, sponsor of the amendment, was waiting to testify about it.

If anyone showed contempt for the court and for public proceedings in general, it was Judge Feldman, not James Warren.